FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
PORTLAND, ORE. (Jan. 5,
2012) – Port to Present Transportation Plan at Public Hearing
Port of Portland Commissioners will review and receive
input on the 2012 Port Transportation Improvement Plan (PTIP) at a public
hearing on Wednesday, January 11 during the regularly scheduled commission
meeting. The Commission meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and the hearing will
follow discussion with the Port Commission on transportation needs and a
funding strategy to address passenger and freight mobility in the Portland
region.
As a transportation agency reliant on elements of the
transportation system developed and managed by others to support its mission,
the Port carefully plans its support of projects that will enhance market
access for Port customers and businesses in the region and state.
The PTIP identifies, outlines and prioritizes 5, 10 and
20-year marine, air, road, rail, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian transportation
improvement projects. Ninety-two projects were identified for the 2012 PTIP.
Projects are identified through transportation studies from master plans,
property development and region-wide mobility needs studies conducted by the
Port and other local, regional, and state agencies.
Key projects outlined in the plan include I-205 north
bound access from Airport Way, Troutdale interchange improvements at I-84 and
257th, the Columbia River Crossing and Troutdale Reynolds Industrial
Park road improvements. Policy and funding priorities identified include
future Connect Oregon funding, the Federal Transportation Reauthorization bill
and working with Metro and business for increased allocation to regional
freight needs.
Updated annually and requiring approval by the Port of
Portland Commission, the PTIP helps prioritize funding requests. In the past
three years, it has assisted in generating more than $86 million in local,
state and federal grants and loans for the Port and other agencies. The capital
projects funded with these grants and loans help support the Port's mission of
providing cost competitive cargo and passenger access to regional, national and
international markets.
After the public hearing, the PTIP will be revised if
necessary and submitted for commission approval in February. Once approved, the
PTIP is provided to Metro and the Oregon Department of Transportation for
inclusion in the Regional Transportation Plan. Projects will then be
considered for outside funding through the Federal, State and Metropolitan
Transportation Improvement Plan processes.
Copies of the draft plan can be accessed via the Port
website at http://www.portofportland.com/Trade_Trans_Studies.aspx